Daniel Talbert Randall, 87, of Blue Springs, Missouri, passed away on Monday, November 16, 2020. Daniel and Betty’s children gathered and mourned their loss privately. A wider celebration of his life will be forthcoming, as there is much to celebrate.
Daniel was born December 11, 1932 in Scottville, Michigan, to John and Ruth (Schaffer) Randall. He will be remembered for the twinkle in his eye, his ready smile, and his sense of humor. For most who met him, he was a man gracious in manner, with an easy, agreeable laugh. He would offer to help with anything. If you needed a load hauled, be prepared for a masterclass in tie-downs and knots. He could recharge the freon in your home’s AC, fix your grandfather clock, build a rock retaining wall, convert your porch to a dining room, or officiate your wedding. His early life in Michigan was a cross between a chapter from Tom Sawyer, and a painting by Norman Rockwell. He dearly loved his flinty grandpa, who taught him self-reliance and hard headedness. From his mother, Ruth, he learned kindness, empathy and love. Still young when the family moved several times in the midst of the Great Depression and World War 2, they finally settled in Independence, Missouri. Not being too serious about school gave him time to tie outhouses to school bus bumpers, hop trains, run away (attempted) to Texas, build and rebuild hot rods, and help his father drive a delivery truck throughout the Kansas City, Missouri area. He joined the US Navy during the Korean conflict, and served most of his duty driving a crash truck at Barin Field Naval Auxiliary Air Station, near the Gulf Shores beach and Foley, Alabama where he met the love of his life, Betty Ann. When he called her Betsy, all knew she owned his heart. They married in Harrison, Arkansas on the way up to Independence to meet his family, and kept the union going for a little more than 60 years. Love and grit brought them through some very lean years. Hunting small game, fishing, and frog legs kept his young family well fed. It is cliché’ but true, the children didn’t know they were poor. His career was as an over-the-road truck driver, out of Kansas City. Meanwhile, he designed and built two fireplaces, made extensive renovations on two homes, and moved to a small farm near Richmond, Missouri. He renewed his private pilot’s license, bought an old Navion, and flew Betty around the country. Toward the end of his career, Daniel and Betty built another home in Grain Valley, then moved once more, to Blue Springs. In his retirement, traveling with Betty, reading, playing guitar, and making pottery occupied his time. All of his children and grandchildren will cherish his whimsical renditions of dinosaurs, turtles, toadstools, favorite animals, and a village of log cabins. The passing of his love, Betsy was a difficult blow, but he remained positive, connecting more deeply with his family, helping old friends, and staying in contact with his neighbors. Daniel’s life was an example of how one can grow beyond what looks like our given lot in life. In his latter years, his relationship with his children blossomed and turned a humble existence into treasure, and a life well lived.
Daniel was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Elizabeth “Betty” Ann Randall. Surviving Daniel are their five children: Lawrence Randall (Denise) of Grain Valley, MO, Virginia Volkart (Bob) of Jefferson City, MO, Leslie Long (Glen) of Blue Springs, William Randall (Victoria) of Fulton, MO, and Susan Andree (Rick) of Grain Valley, MO. Dearly missing him also are his thirteen grandchildren: Alys, Lindsy, Tuggin, John, Todd, Kaylee, Jake, Odessa, Lenora, Genevieve, Kaitlin, Elizabeth, and Quinlin Evans; and ten great-grandchildren.
Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home, Grain Valley, MO 816-847-4441
Mary
24 Nov 2020There was no untruth describing Uncle Danny. If anything, you could have kept describing nothing but more positive things about him. Peaceful, a truly gentle man, loving, happy, content with life, strong, faithful, God fearing, family man, and so much more. Very much a family head, but never overbearing. Love him dearly and am so happy knowing that he is with Aunt Betty. Love to all..
Mary
Mashel Pugh Miller
25 Nov 2020Susan I’m so sorry for your loss. Praying for you and your family. God bless you all. Praying for all of you.
Mashel Pugh Miller
JACQUELINE BRATTON
25 Nov 2020Leslie, Bill & Susan I’m So sorry your loss God Bless your Family Praying for your Great Loss 🇺🇲🇺🇸🙏
Susan Powell
30 Nov 2020Bill and Vickie and family, I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Susan Powell
Jill Acock
30 Nov 2020Bill, your dad sounded like an amazing man. So sorry for your loss, especially this time of year. Hold onto those memories.
Todd and Anne Weyler
30 Nov 2020Bill, sounds like you take after your dad. What a loving and generous man. We are thinking of you and the family.
Trevor Simmons
30 Nov 2020Bill and Vickie, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.
DeAnn Mittelstaedt
3 Dec 2020Bill & Vickie – Daniel sounds like a person everyone would have been lucky to know. Sending you and family thoughts and prayers from Oklahoma.
Tonia Jones, Shelter Jonesboro Branch
3 Dec 2020So sorry for your loss Bill. Praying for your family and you as you go through this. It sounds like your dad was an amazing and fun person. Many good memories to have of him that will help you begin to smile again as you remember him.